A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.
Researchers have discovered a rabbit virus that can deliver a one-two punch, killing some kinds of cancer cells while eliminating a common complication of bone marrow transplants. The myxoma virus can quell graft-versus-host disease and destroy cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with blood cancers.
Researchers found that older adults' cycling speed improved while completing cognitive tasks without sacrificing cognitive performance. The study suggests combining physical activity with mental tasks may encourage more vigorous exercise.
Researchers gave disposable cameras to 40 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes to capture their experiences. The findings reveal key differences in boys and less-affluent young people, which could shape patient care and education. The study also highlights the impact of food on managing the disease.
Researchers have discovered a novel biomarker that tracks Parkinson's progression in the brain, providing a new tool for diagnosis and treatment. The study uses MRI-based diffusion imaging to measure changes in brain tissue fluid levels, which can inform treatment decisions and identify promising new therapies.
A five-month media campaign in Florida's poorest counties increased black men's awareness of mouth and throat cancer, leading to a 13% rise in first-time screenings. The campaign, designed by UF Health researchers, aimed to reverse the health inequity faced by black men, who have lower survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in Florida led to a 25% decrease in oxycodone-related deaths. The program's database helped healthcare providers monitor controlled substance prescriptions, leading to better prescribing decisions.
Illinois' 2009 increase in alcohol tax led to a 26% decline in fatal alcohol-related car crashes, with similar reductions for young people and extremely drunken drivers. The study suggests that similar tax hikes across the US could prevent thousands of deaths annually.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that an increase in alcohol taxes led to a significant reduction in fatal car crashes. After Illinois raised its excise tax on beer, wine, and spirits by 2009, fatal alcohol-related car crashes decreased by 26%. The decrease was even more marked for young people, with a 37% reduction in fa...
A University of Florida study found that higher levels of vitamin D may decrease pain and improve function in obese individuals with osteoarthritis. The researchers analyzed blood samples from a racially diverse group of adults and found an association between obesity and vitamin D status.
Research shows that muscle metabolites released during exercise activate neural pathways in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, leading to excessive feelings of fatigue. The study suggests that peripheral tissues like muscles contribute to fatigue, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
A research group including a UF expert has located and narrowed down genes that play a role in Type 1 diabetes. The findings will help predict who might develop the disease and how to prevent it, leading to more effective treatments.
A new study by University of Florida Health researchers found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays and fewer medical complications compared to those without insurance. They are also at lower risk of developing new conditions and dying during their stay.
A new study has found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays, fewer medical complications, and a lower risk of death compared to those without. In contrast, Medicaid patients are more likely to experience longer hospital stays, develop postoperative respiratory issues, and face higher risks of hosp...
Researchers found that an intermittent feast-and-famine diet increased sirtuin proteins, which promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases. The diet also decreased insulin levels, potentially having an anti-diabetic effect.
The discovery of a new turtle genus in Wyoming provides insight into how animals may respond to future climate change. Modern-day turtles may struggle to migrate northward due to habitat loss and human pressures, leading to some species' potential extinction.
Researchers discover that luna moths use tail-spinning to fool bat sonar, increasing survival rate by 47%. The findings expand knowledge of anti-predator strategies and have implications for military sonar development.
Researchers discovered that an anti-inflammatory protein can increase plaque formation in the brain by binding to amyloid-beta and accelerating its buildup. The study suggests that Alzheimer's treatment should be tailored to patients carrying specific APOE variants, such as APOE4, which is a major genetic risk factor for the disease.
A new study reveals that the oldest primate ancestors lived in trees, accessing food sources unavailable to ground-dwelling species. The discovery provides evidence of arboreal life evolving early in the history of primates, with Purgatorius, a tiny tree shrew-like creature, being estimated to have weighed about 3.5 ounces.
A new UF/IFAS study reveals that warming temperatures could lead to a decline in wheat production, with crop losses estimated at one fourth of the annual global wheat trade. The research used computer models to predict the impact of temperature increases on wheat yield and found that warmer temperatures are already slowing yield gains.
Fossil corals on Seychelles islands suggest rapid Antarctic ice sheet retreat led to sea-level rise around 125,000 years ago. The study suggests the Antarctic ice sheet may partially collapse again due to warming temperatures.
A team of scientists has decoded the avian genome, revealing that bird evolution occurred rapidly 65 million years ago. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of birds, including the discovery of ancient viruses and unexpected kinship between waterbirds and landbirds.
A University of Florida study found that vaccinating school-aged children from flu can protect other age groups, including non-school-aged residents, with significant reductions in influenza-like illness rates. This effect is profound, both on students and the community.
A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.
A team of researchers from the University of Florida has developed a process to convert human waste into rocket fuel, producing 290 liters of methane per crew per day. This anaerobic digester process can also produce non-potable water and hydrogen, offering a sustainable solution for space missions and potentially on Earth.
Researchers have discovered a way to grow a human norovirus by identifying a cell it targets in the intestine, enabling the study of its replication and potential treatments. The virus targets B cells, rather than intestinal epithelial cells, and is aided by gut bacteria in its infection process.
Researchers use fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems on the Bahamian island of Abaco, where megafauna like crocodiles and tortoises once flourished. The study's findings suggest that reptiles played a dominant role in these ecosystems, providing vital clues for conservation efforts.
A new study uses genetically modified plants to teach the immune system to tolerate clotting factors, reducing the risk of antibody formation. The treatment, which involves feeding mice with plant capsules, has shown promising results and may offer a cost-effective alternative to current treatments.
Research suggests that wildlife corridors can facilitate the spread of invasive species, such as one type of fire ant, by creating connected habitats. The study found that polygyne fire ants, which are poorly dispersing, benefited from corridors, increasing their abundance and negatively impacting native ant diversity.
A University of Florida study found that trace amounts of lead in human teeth can provide clues about a person's geographic origin. The discovery could help law enforcement solve cold cases by focusing investigations on specific regions based on the type and amount of lead isotopes present.
Researchers say restoring tropical forests can lead to biodiversity loss and soil erosion if not done thoughtfully. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecosystem dynamics and defining what constitutes a forest to minimize environmental impacts.
Researchers discovered that interactions with other infections later in life can trigger dormant herpes viruses to resurface and cause disease. This finding highlights the complex relationships between pathogens and the immune system, which could lead to new strategies for combating these infections.
A University of Florida research team has identified the first known case of an equine influenza virus in camels. The discovery highlights the potential role of camels in the ecology of zoonotic diseases and raises concerns about public health.
A new University of Florida study found that great white shark numbers are likely growing and not endangered along the California coast. The research team reanalyzed data from multiple aggregation sites and estimated a total population of at least 2,000 sharks, contradicting earlier claims of alarmingly low numbers.
A University of Florida study found that nearly one-third of English adults have prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels. The study suggests that without intervention, England may experience a significant increase in diabetes cases in the coming years.
A University of Florida study shows that daily moderate physical activity can help aging adults maintain their ability to walk and prevent long-term mobility loss. The study found a 18% increase in walking speed among participants who exercised regularly compared to those who did not.
A new study confirms three species of alligator snapping turtles, including two recently discovered, are threatened by conservation efforts. The turtles' restricted range and habitats make them vulnerable to catastrophic events such as chemical spills or river pollution.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that even moderate alcohol levels can affect driving abilities of older adults, potentially leading to reassessment of legal blood alcohol limits. Researchers tested two age groups, ages 25-35 and 55-70, and found that a single drink impaired older drivers' skills
A University of Florida study found that exposure to four air pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of developing high blood pressure disorder. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 pregnant women and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and hypertension.
Researchers aim to make blood cancers more vulnerable to treatment by targeting the hiding spots where leukemia cells reside. Initial focus is on blood vessels, which provide a safe haven for these cells.
Researchers have developed a simple immune-based screening test for inclusion body disease (IBD) in snakes, a debilitating condition that affects boa constrictors and pythons. The test uses a monoclonal antibody to detect the presence of IBD in snakes, offering a potential solution for managing the spread of the disease.
Increased tourism has led to a 70% decrease in mollusk shells during the tourist season and a 60% decrease in other months. Shell removal can cause significant damage to natural ecosystems and organisms that rely on shells.
A new study suggests that many flowering plants, including crops, may not have the necessary traits to rapidly respond to human-induced climate change. Researchers used a large dated evolutionary tree of flowering plants to identify three repeated evolutionary shifts that allowed them to tolerate cold temperatures.
Researchers found that childhood cancer survivors reported lower physical and mental quality of life as symptoms increased over time. The study suggests that managing symptoms can improve daily functional status and quality of life for these patients.
Researchers found that while vegetation growth in the Arctic boosts carbon release, it's not enough to offset the losses from thawing permafrost. The study simulated warming of Arctic permafrost and measured carbon release from the soil and microbes.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between ancient reef abundance and decapod crustacean diversity. Modern reef decline may lead to a 50% decrease in crustacean species, affecting human food sources and marine ecosystems. The study's findings suggest that reefs promote the evolution of diverse crustacean populations.
Researchers found that about 25% of mature female tiger sharks migrate from remote atolls to the main Hawaiian Islands between September and October, potentially to give birth. This study provides insight into tiger shark migration patterns and their potential link to attacks in Hawaii.
A new study by University of Florida researchers highlights the need for more effective methods in storing genetic data. The study finds that about 70 percent of published genetic sequence comparisons are not publicly accessible, hindering research efforts worldwide.
A new study finds that certain hawkmoth species produce ultrasonic sound as a defense against bats. The researchers used high-energy lamps and pre-recorded bat sounds to capture the insects' behavior, revealing a system that jams the echolocation ability of their predators.
A new University of Florida study suggests a brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used on 72 patients with movement disorder diagnoses, with high accuracy achieved in separating the patients into disorder groups.